Name: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Cooking spray or oil mist; 1/3 cup honey; 2–3 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot, Cholula, or Sriracha); 2 tbsp butter; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These air fryer chicken tenders are everything you want in a weeknight meal or game-day snack—crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in an irresistible sticky sauce. The hot honey brings a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, while the air fryer keeps things lighter and hassle-free. You’ll love how fast, easy, and satisfying this dish is.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken tenders:

Chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Cooking spray or oil for misting

For the hot honey sauce:

Honey
Hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite variety)
Butter
Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dredge each chicken strip in flour, dip in egg, then coat with the seasoned panko. Press lightly to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F or 74°C).
While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and vinegar or lemon juice if using. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Once the chicken is done, toss the tenders in the hot honey sauce or drizzle over the top.
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes

Variations

Extra Crispy: Double-coat with flour and panko for extra crunch.
Mild Version: Use a mild hot sauce and skip the red pepper flakes.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Sweet & Tangy: Add a touch of Dijon mustard to the hot honey sauce.
Buffalo Twist: Mix hot honey with a splash of buffalo sauce for added tang.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until crispy again.
For best results, reheat tenders without sauce, then toss with fresh hot honey sauce before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, just cut them into strips of even thickness for even cooking.

What’s the best hot sauce to use?

Frank’s RedHot, Cholula, or Sriracha all work well—choose based on your heat preference.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes, bread the tenders ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to air fry.

Do I have to use panko breadcrumbs?

Panko gives the crispiest texture, but regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can work too.

Can I bake them instead?

Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

What can I serve with hot honey chicken tenders?

Try fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, a green salad, or pickles to balance the heat.

Is the hot honey very spicy?

It’s moderately spicy, but you can adjust the heat by using less hot sauce or omitting pepper flakes.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute vegan butter or omit the butter in the hot honey sauce.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Press the breadcrumbs in firmly and avoid overcrowding in the air fryer basket for even airflow.

Can I freeze them?

Freeze cooked tenders without sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer and toss with fresh sauce before serving.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders in the air fryer are the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and crispy. With simple ingredients and a quick cook time, this recipe delivers big flavor in a healthier, mess-free way. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for a party, or just craving something bold and satisfying, these tenders are sure to be a hit.